(Last Updated:  January 28, 2010)

I started GoBackpacking in 1999 to encourage people to travel abroad, independently.  12 years later, the site’s mission remains the same, and I am eager to bring new voices and perspectives into the mix.

Who

Anyone who believes in the aforementioned mission.

When

Immediately!

Why

If you are reading this, then chances are good you’ve traveled independently and enjoyed it.  While I am not in a position to pay, here is what I can offer:

• A growing, global audience:  GoBackpacking receives over 20,000 visits and 45,000 page views per month.  Traffic increased 95% from 2008 to 2009.  In addition, there are 1,500+ RSS subscribers.
• Syndication:  All location-specific posts are syndicated on Lonely Planet’s online destination guides, while World Reviewer, Alltop Outdoors, and travel4press also feature posts.
• GoBackpacking is an original member of the Trusted Travel Blogs Network which recognizes “high publishing standards” and transparent advertising practices.
• For contributors with a blog, this is a chance to reach a wider audience.
• For contributors without a blog, this is a chance to share travel experiences to entertain, motivate, educate, and/or caution others.
• My current editorial policy:  write about whatever gets you excited, and don’t forget to use spell check.
• All contributions will be promoted via social media, including:  Twitter, Facebook, and/or Stumble Upon.
• All contributions will include the author’s name, short bio, and link(s) back to author’s blog or social media profile of choice.  Authors retain full rights to their stories and photos.
• All regular contributors will have a link to their posts on Go Backpacking included in the right sidebar, and their bio, photo, and link back to their blog on the About page.

What

Different ideas and perspectives can help to create a unique reader experience.  That said, here are a few of my ideas for how GoBackpacking could benefit from new voices:

• Media – Do you have a burning desire to share your opinion about why the movie Eurotrip does not accurately reflect backpacking culture?  Or perhaps the latest Travel Channel show deserves a boost.  Help get the word out on what’s hot and what’s not in travel media, new and old.
• Volunteering and/or Working Overseas – weekly series about working or volunteering abroad.  Tips for picking a WWOOF farm in Australia, anyone?
• Expat Series – are you living abroad, but not interested in building your own blog? Try a weekly series with insights from your life abroad.
• Photo Essays – this blog can accommodate photos up to 925 pixels in width.  A photo essay on a common theme is the perfect way to show off your best travel shots.
• Couchsurfing – share your experiences hosting, as a guest, or participating in the activities of a local Couchsurfing group.
• (((( Your Ideas Here ))))

How

Please contact me to discuss further.  A writing sample will be required in the absence of an existing blog (which does not have to be travel-related).